There will be no Canada Day celebrations, in-person or virtual, at four London museums or hosted by the local heritage council.
Museum London, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Children's Museum, Eldon House, and the London Heritage Council have released a joint statement that they are pausing festivities this year to reflect on the role colonialism, racism, and genocide have played in Canada's structures.
"While acknowledging that there are things to celebrate about Canada, there are also many things about the country that require us to pause, reflect, and act," the statement said. "We acknowledge the atrocities committed against Indigenous Peoples and the lasting legacy the damaging policies and practices have had on our community. We condemn Islamophobia and acts of discrimination, racism, and hate against any individuals, organizations, or communities."
The group of five stated that the country is in mourning this year, citing the deadly anti-Muslim attack on the Afzaal family in northwest London earlier this month and the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in Kamloops B.C. and Saskatchewan.
They also pointed to a recent report from London police that showed alleged hate crimes spiked by nearly 50 per cent last year and more than doubled over the past four years.
"Traditionally, we host events and programming, virtual or in-person, that celebrate Canada Day. However, in consultation with our stakeholders, we feel now is not the time to celebrate; it is the time to reflect and commit to real change," said the statement.
The museums and council are encouraging Londoners to follow suit by also pausing their personal Canada Day celebrations this year. They provided a list of resources in their statement to "help with reflection." It includes links to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports, London Public Library pages on racism, a reading list on colonialism and racism in Canada, and an online Indigenous Canada course from the University of Alberta.
Going forward, the council is holding a virtual panel on “The Future of Canada Day" that will be streamed at 7 p.m. on Tuesday on its Facebook page.
